Claire's charitable efforts gain national recognition

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to Vale of York Oddfellows member, Claire Needham, who is the winner of 2024’s Giving Something Back Making a Difference Award.

A member since birth, Claire is being celebrated for work she does to raise money for worthy causes and helping people, both in conjunction with her Branch and of her own accord. She was presented with a trophy at a special ceremony at the Society’s annual national conference in Llandudno on Tuesday 28 May.

Claire with her award in Llandudno

An Oddfellow through and through

The 44-year-old who lives in Leeds has served as both Branch and District Chairman, as well as national roles on the Benevolence Committee and Investigation Committee. In these roles she’s been able to make a positive difference to the lives of her fellow members.

She said: “The Oddfellows has always been there, always been a part of my life. My parents always tell me that they used to take me in a carry cot!

“I like that the Society helps people, whether that’s through companionship or help financially in different ways. That’s what I liked about being on the Benevolence Committee because I was able to help people who needed it. Even if it was only in a small way.

“I also like finding out about all the ways the Oddfellows can help people. It’s interesting how it all links together and it’s useful knowing these things so I can share with others. It’s nice to give back to people who have been so welcoming to me.”

No challenge too big

Claire has undertaken a variety of challenges in the name of charity.

Despite never having run a marathon before, she decided to take on the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon last year to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). She had been touched by the plight of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrows, both of whom developed MND after successful rugby careers.

Claire was proudly able to hand over £2,897, shared between MNDA and Leeds-based Martin House Children’s Hospice, a large portion of which was donated by Oddfellows members.

READ MORE: Claire's marathon fundraising effort

“The marathon was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she said. “There really was a lot of training and adapting my life to that was tough. Some of the hardest bits were in training, especially when it was cold and horrible and wintery outside.

“I like to challenge myself to prove I can do something, and if you’re doing something like that I feel like it’s an opportunity to build people’s awareness and raise money for causes at the same time.”

Claire received her award from her mother and Chairman of the Society, Barbara Needham

Claire, an Office Managing Partner at an accountancy firm, is also Chairman of her workplace’s Charity Committee and has helped to raise over £30,000 for good causes through sponsored walks, race nights, golf days, bake offs and quizzes.

She added: “I recognise that I’m in a lucky position. I’m healthy and financially stable when I compare myself to others. It’s good to help people.”

I feel really honoured. Claire Needham

On winning the Giving Something Back award, Claire said: “I was surprised, completely surprised and I feel really honoured.

“It’s a really nice feeling. It’s nice that other people think it’s making a difference and it’s having an impact.”

Claire giving her thank you speech

Last year’s Vale of York Oddfellows District Chairman, June Whitehead, nominated Claire for the award. She said: “Claire has made a wonderful difference to many lives by raising considerable amounts of money for charity, something she continues to do.

“She has always put others before herself and believed in doing for others what you would wish them to do for you.

“I’m very proud of Claire. She fully deserves the recognition of this award.”

Our other 2024 award-winners

Meet our other cherished award-winners on our Making a Difference Awards page.

Who makes a difference in your Branch?

If you know somebody in your Branch who has gone above and beyond to help and support members of the Oddfellows, why not nominate them for a 2025 Making a Difference Award?

Any member can nominate another member. You can learn more about the different categories in the Making a Difference Awards section of our website.

If you're interested in joining an Oddfellows friendship group, contact us and we can send you a free information pack and local events diary.